Bible Strands
Luke 15:1
Now all the tax collectors and sinners were gathering around to listen to Jesus.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Luke narrates the scene to his reader as Jesus teaches, immediately preceding the Pharisees and scribes' complaint in Luke 15:2 about His association with sinners.
The words — ἐγγίζοντες (engizontes) means drawing near or gathering around, while τελῶναι (telōnai) identifies the first group as tax collectors.
The thread — This gathering of marginalized figures matches the banquet accounts in Matthew 9:10 and Luke 5:29, and aligns with the stated purpose in 1 Timothy 1:15 that Christ came to save sinners.
Why it lands — The text requires the reader to note the concrete posture of listening before encountering religious criticism, establishing the actual audience Jesus addressed.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him.
Cross-references
- 1 Timothy 1:15 This is a trustworthy saying, worthy of full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst.
- Matthew 9:10 Later, as Jesus was dining at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with Him and His disciples.
- Luke 5:29 Then Levi hosted a great banquet for Jesus at his house. A large crowd of tax collectors was there, along with others who were eating with them.
- Matthew 21:28 But what do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first one and said, ‘Son, go and work today in the vineyard.’
- Ezekiel 18:27 But if a wicked man turns from the wickedness he has committed and does what is just and right, he will save his life.
- Luke 7:29 All the people who heard this, even the tax collectors, acknowledged God’s justice. For they had received the baptism of John.
- Romans 5:20 The law came in so that the trespass would increase; but where sin increased, grace increased all the more,
- Luke 13:30 And indeed, some who are last will be first, and some who are first will be last.”